Galway will be without the services of Therese Manton, Aislinn Connolly (pictured above) and Veronica Curtin in their opening round tie in this year’s senior championship, away to Offaly in Banagher at 2.30pm tomorrow (June 23rd). All three have been ruled out with injury while the westerners are also missing Jessica Gill due to a long-term knee injury.
Manager Tony Ward gives a championship debut to teenager Orlaith McGrath while sister Niamh lines out at centre-forward. The Galway team as named earlier this week is as follows: Susan Earner, Sandra Tannion, Sarah Dervan, Lorraine Ryan, Regina Glynn, Therese Maher, Sinead Cahalan, Niamh Kilkenny, Ann-Marie Hayes, Noreen Coen, Niamh McGrath Brenda Hanney, Orlaith McGrath, Orla Kilkenny, Tara Ruttledge.
Meanwhile in the remaining senior championship fixtures, Dublin take on Kilkenny in O’Toole Park, Crumlin with a throw in time of 1.00pm. The Cats will have nothing easy against Dublin, who pushed them to the pin of their collar in this year’s league. The form of Louise O’Hara and Elaine O’Meara (captain) will be crucial to the Dubs who may have the goods to cause an opening round upset.
Clare play Cork in Newmarket-on-Fergus at 1.30pm. The Banner defeated arch rivals Cork in a thrilling Munster Camogie Final a few weeks ago, and the significance of that event, will add extra bite to tomorrow’s tie. Clare will prove difficult to beat at home and the form of Deirdre Murphy and Susan Vaughan, will be key to their prospects. Cork will rely on the services of Anna Geary, Jennifer O’Leary and of course Gemma O’Connor.
All Ireland champions Wexford welcome Una Leacy back to the fold, after the star attacker missed the league due to a knee injury incurred in her side’s All Ireland Club Final success in March. Wexford manager JJ Doyle highlighted earlier in the week the need for his side to attain a level of consistency and he will be hoping that they hit the ground running in their historic bid for three-in-a- row. Tipperary, at home, will fancy their chances and relish the opportunity of playing the holders. Joanne Ryan and the experienced Jill Horan will be key performers for Tipperary.
In the All Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship Group 1, Tipperary also take on Wexford at 1.30pm in the Ragg; Limerick face Waterford in Martinstown at 1.00pm and Antrim take on Derry in Portglenone at 2.45pm.
